Lackey, asked if he saw a good opportunity to go after the Mets because of the distractions, said "I see a good opportunity to go after everybody every start. It's not my problem."
Here's what it looks like:
7.2 IP, 6 H, 7 K, 1 BB, 1 R
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Focus
Here's what it sounds like:
Here's what it looks like:
7.2 IP, 6 H, 7 K, 1 BB, 1 R
Here's what it looks like:
7.2 IP, 6 H, 7 K, 1 BB, 1 R
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Willie Reax
Vaccaro at the Post summed up my feelings pertty well:
What a crowd, these bums are, all of them, from the Wilpons at the top to Omar Minaya down below, all of them who conspired to botch this firing worse than any firing has ever been botched. Ever. You wouldn't trust these guys to run a 7-11, let alone a National League baseball team. What a joke. What a cowardly, dastardly joke.
That said, I've got beef with all the people who've been clamoring for Willie's firing but now want to complain over the manner it was handled. Enough already. You don't get the satisfaction of getting the new manager you wanted, and also get the self-righteous indignation over Willie being disrespected, all at the same time.
And the chief culprit: Joe Benigno. Could there be a less intelligent individual for WFAN to subject millions of listners to each and every day?
Replacing Willie with Manuel was ridiculous. The players whose effort seems to wax and wane are the ones who control whether the Mets will finally play to their potential or not. Beltran, Delgado, Jose, Pedro. That, and whether the Mets can get Alou and Church healthy.
If those guys get focused and the team gets healthy, they'll win, regardless of the manager. If not, then the Mets will keep losing.
Even if the Mets rip off a .650 win % the rest of the way, there is zero chance you'll be able to convince me it's because of Jerry Manuel.
If Earl Weaver, Tommy Lasorda, Whitey Herzog or John McGraw were available, fine. But there is no one--no one--out there who is going to make the difference.
To axe a good man and a good organization guy midseason, coming off 3 wins in 4 games no less, makes about as much sense as being a Mets/Jets fan.
What a crowd, these bums are, all of them, from the Wilpons at the top to Omar Minaya down below, all of them who conspired to botch this firing worse than any firing has ever been botched. Ever. You wouldn't trust these guys to run a 7-11, let alone a National League baseball team. What a joke. What a cowardly, dastardly joke.
That said, I've got beef with all the people who've been clamoring for Willie's firing but now want to complain over the manner it was handled. Enough already. You don't get the satisfaction of getting the new manager you wanted, and also get the self-righteous indignation over Willie being disrespected, all at the same time.
And the chief culprit: Joe Benigno. Could there be a less intelligent individual for WFAN to subject millions of listners to each and every day?
Replacing Willie with Manuel was ridiculous. The players whose effort seems to wax and wane are the ones who control whether the Mets will finally play to their potential or not. Beltran, Delgado, Jose, Pedro. That, and whether the Mets can get Alou and Church healthy.
If those guys get focused and the team gets healthy, they'll win, regardless of the manager. If not, then the Mets will keep losing.
Even if the Mets rip off a .650 win % the rest of the way, there is zero chance you'll be able to convince me it's because of Jerry Manuel.
If Earl Weaver, Tommy Lasorda, Whitey Herzog or John McGraw were available, fine. But there is no one--no one--out there who is going to make the difference.
To axe a good man and a good organization guy midseason, coming off 3 wins in 4 games no less, makes about as much sense as being a Mets/Jets fan.
The fat lady has sung
And so it ends for Willie, Peterson, and Nieto. As I've said before, Omar is at least equally to blame as Willie, and the way in which he handled this whole thing speaks volumes about his poor leadership and management skills. To drag this out as long as he did, to leak the names, and then to make them fly all the way to CA only to can them at midnight is just pathetic. Omar is easily coming out looking like the biggest loser in all of this. And I'm interested to see why Peterson got axed.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Slip 'n slide
No, I'm not referring to the Mets standings in the NL East, but rather to what the Rangers players were doing on the Shea tarp Sat night during the rain delay. Check it out.. My how the Metties have fallen.
Mets coaches
Rumors are swirling that Randolph might be spared for now, but Peterson and first base coach Nieto might be canned today. If so, I give up all hope for the Mets under Wilpon and Minaya.
First, Nieto has to be so far down the list of why the Mets are underperforming that canning him reeks of scapegoating rather than dealing with the real problem. As to Peterson, unless they are blaming him for heavily influencing decisions about which pitchers the Mets should keep or trade for, this move makes NO sense. Peterson was widely considered one of, if not the best, pitching coaches in MLB when we acquired him. Since then, I have seen nothing to suggest otherwise. I have yet to see any pitchers perform worse under Peterson than elsewhere, and he certainly has achieved higher performance out of many (Sanchez in '06, Maine, Duque, Bradford, Oliver, ...) Again though, if he has been the primary source for guiding which pitchers we've pursued, then he certainly bears a lot of blame.
First, Nieto has to be so far down the list of why the Mets are underperforming that canning him reeks of scapegoating rather than dealing with the real problem. As to Peterson, unless they are blaming him for heavily influencing decisions about which pitchers the Mets should keep or trade for, this move makes NO sense. Peterson was widely considered one of, if not the best, pitching coaches in MLB when we acquired him. Since then, I have seen nothing to suggest otherwise. I have yet to see any pitchers perform worse under Peterson than elsewhere, and he certainly has achieved higher performance out of many (Sanchez in '06, Maine, Duque, Bradford, Oliver, ...) Again though, if he has been the primary source for guiding which pitchers we've pursued, then he certainly bears a lot of blame.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Mets acquire Nixon
At first I thought they meant Otis Nixon, but it turns out we got Trot.
We gave up "cash considerations or a player to be named," contingent, I would guess, on whether Trot sticks with the club and contributes.
He's been in AAA this year, hitting well. He hit .288 in the second half last year, but only .251 for the season.
Hey, with Church and Alou both on the shelf indefintely, giving up nobody for a guy who could fill a role seems like a no-brainer.
And his personality will also be what the team needs more of, according to Wright:
The only shame is that he doesn't hit from the right side.
We gave up "cash considerations or a player to be named," contingent, I would guess, on whether Trot sticks with the club and contributes.
He's been in AAA this year, hitting well. He hit .288 in the second half last year, but only .251 for the season.
Hey, with Church and Alou both on the shelf indefintely, giving up nobody for a guy who could fill a role seems like a no-brainer.
And his personality will also be what the team needs more of, according to Wright:
"He's a hard-nosed player... He's a guy who's going to go out there and get dirty. He's a guy that plays with a lot of intensity, and I think that's a good thing both on the field and as a clubhouse guy. He's been on a championship team. He knows what it takes to win and he'll go out there and give you something day in and day out."
The only shame is that he doesn't hit from the right side.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Random collection of thoughts
1. Well played Billy, well played. You single-handedly almost gave the Mets what would have been the most deflating loss of all season after vomiting all over Pelfrey's best game ever. How is it even possible to not get the job done in that situation, by giving up a 3-run bomb?
2. After Alou re-injured himself again last night, it is time to bench him. When he comes off the DL next time, he should no longer be considered the starting left fielder; he should be a bench player. I realize no other options on the team come close to what he can do offensively, but the simple fact is that his constantly interrupted schedule does more harm to the team than good. First, by continuing to start him the few times he is healthy you are preventing one of the backups from getting more regular PT that could improve their game by getting into a rhythm. Second, it is mentally deflating to the team every time he gets injured. But, if he is no longer considered first on the depth chart, this is irrelevant. Use him as a pinch hitter, use him as a backup if Chavez needs rest, whatever, but he can no longer be considered #1 in the depth chart. If this means you need to make a trade to get a legit starting LF, so be it, get it done.
3. Bartolo Colon: 4-1, 3.41 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 22 Ks to 7 BBs. Why do I mention this? Because it is yet another example of how much better the Red Sox scouting staff is than the Mets. Here's a guy that was essentially a free agent, cost nothing to get, and has been tremendously solid for Red Sox. On the other side, we get Lima, Vargas, ...
4. Speaking of the Sox, they remain in 1st despite no Schilling, no Daisuke, no Ortiz, and a sub-par season from Beckett. So they find a way to win, despite difficulties with the anchor of their team, their #1-3 pitchers. Also interesting that their players seem to excel after a first season of adjustment. Specifically, Daisuke, J.D. Drew, and Beckett all had average to poor years their first season with Sox, adjusting to new team and new league. However, in season #2 they all dramatically improved. I've never seen any type of player development like that on the Mets. Makes you wonder about our coaching staff..
2. After Alou re-injured himself again last night, it is time to bench him. When he comes off the DL next time, he should no longer be considered the starting left fielder; he should be a bench player. I realize no other options on the team come close to what he can do offensively, but the simple fact is that his constantly interrupted schedule does more harm to the team than good. First, by continuing to start him the few times he is healthy you are preventing one of the backups from getting more regular PT that could improve their game by getting into a rhythm. Second, it is mentally deflating to the team every time he gets injured. But, if he is no longer considered first on the depth chart, this is irrelevant. Use him as a pinch hitter, use him as a backup if Chavez needs rest, whatever, but he can no longer be considered #1 in the depth chart. If this means you need to make a trade to get a legit starting LF, so be it, get it done.
3. Bartolo Colon: 4-1, 3.41 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 22 Ks to 7 BBs. Why do I mention this? Because it is yet another example of how much better the Red Sox scouting staff is than the Mets. Here's a guy that was essentially a free agent, cost nothing to get, and has been tremendously solid for Red Sox. On the other side, we get Lima, Vargas, ...
4. Speaking of the Sox, they remain in 1st despite no Schilling, no Daisuke, no Ortiz, and a sub-par season from Beckett. So they find a way to win, despite difficulties with the anchor of their team, their #1-3 pitchers. Also interesting that their players seem to excel after a first season of adjustment. Specifically, Daisuke, J.D. Drew, and Beckett all had average to poor years their first season with Sox, adjusting to new team and new league. However, in season #2 they all dramatically improved. I've never seen any type of player development like that on the Mets. Makes you wonder about our coaching staff..
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Omar
Omar has only one decision to make immediately:
A. Replace Willie, or
B. Swap out significant amount of team before trade deadline, or
C. Continue to stick head in sand.
Bottom line, Willie + this particular set of players = losers. You can either choose to change the manager and hope a new personality can properly motivate these players, or if Willie's your guy then you have to change out a lot of these players. But to continue to believe that you can do nothing and somehow things will just turn themselves around is absurd. Not only do the Mets now have a rock-solid record of mediocrity (82-83 record over their last 165 games), they are sitting on a ton of injuries and show no prospects of improving.
A. Replace Willie, or
B. Swap out significant amount of team before trade deadline, or
C. Continue to stick head in sand.
Bottom line, Willie + this particular set of players = losers. You can either choose to change the manager and hope a new personality can properly motivate these players, or if Willie's your guy then you have to change out a lot of these players. But to continue to believe that you can do nothing and somehow things will just turn themselves around is absurd. Not only do the Mets now have a rock-solid record of mediocrity (82-83 record over their last 165 games), they are sitting on a ton of injuries and show no prospects of improving.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
I guess wagner's seen better days
In regards to recent losses, Wags' thoughts:
"It makes you want to puke," Wagner said. "If I didn't have four kids and a good life, I'd kill myself right now. That's how bad it is. I'm a little bit more than just a baseball player. I have other things. But if I didn't ..."
Damn! Even for me, that's harsh. I'm disgusted by this team, but still, that's rough.
"It makes you want to puke," Wagner said. "If I didn't have four kids and a good life, I'd kill myself right now. That's how bad it is. I'm a little bit more than just a baseball player. I have other things. But if I didn't ..."
Damn! Even for me, that's harsh. I'm disgusted by this team, but still, that's rough.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Put a fork in 'em
The Mets are done. They are the very definition of mediocre: they've played .500 ball for over 160 straight games, they score exactly as many runs as they give up, and they are right in the middle of the pack in the NL in almost every statistical category (ERA, BAA, BA, R, RBI, E, Fld % ...) They are poor in all three aspects of the game: pitching, hitting, and fielding.
Claims of 'just wait until so-and-so gets back from the DL' are pointless. As if this old, broken team is going to go the rest of the season without significant injuries? To expect that Alou, Duque, Pedro, Castillo, Valentin, Castro, Delgado and others won't be spending a big amount of remaining season on DL would not only defy common sense, but also a consistent 2+ year track record. And even if they did, it wouldn't change the fact that the Mets are poorly coached at the plate (as seen by number of stranded runners), bullpen is poorly managed by Willie, and the team doesn't play with a win-at-all-costs attitude.
Claims of 'just wait until so-and-so gets back from the DL' are pointless. As if this old, broken team is going to go the rest of the season without significant injuries? To expect that Alou, Duque, Pedro, Castillo, Valentin, Castro, Delgado and others won't be spending a big amount of remaining season on DL would not only defy common sense, but also a consistent 2+ year track record. And even if they did, it wouldn't change the fact that the Mets are poorly coached at the plate (as seen by number of stranded runners), bullpen is poorly managed by Willie, and the team doesn't play with a win-at-all-costs attitude.
Friday, June 06, 2008
Jose Jose Jose
Guess who's about to lead the Mets in BA? Jose Jose Jose. Thanks to his month-long hitting tear he's now up at .292, only 8 points behind Church's .300. Considering how hot he was in spring training I was surprised he came out of the gate so slowly, but maybe he's turned it around now.
Guess who's reverting to '07 form? Blowenweis. And kudos to Willie for keeping him in the game after he walked THREE STRAIGHT to start the inning, demonstrating he clearly had no control. This, after he just blew a game a few days ago. I don't know, maybe a good idea would've been to pull him after the first two walks. But that's just me, and what do I know? After all, I certainly don't manage the most mediocre and underperforming team in baseball.
Guess who's reverting to '07 form? Blowenweis. And kudos to Willie for keeping him in the game after he walked THREE STRAIGHT to start the inning, demonstrating he clearly had no control. This, after he just blew a game a few days ago. I don't know, maybe a good idea would've been to pull him after the first two walks. But that's just me, and what do I know? After all, I certainly don't manage the most mediocre and underperforming team in baseball.
I just knew it
So the TB Rays came to town this week to play the BlowSox. TB entered the 3-game series up 1.5 games, and the Sox were without Daisuke, Schilling, and David Ortiz, all due to injuries. Despite that, somehow the Sox didn't draw their nemesis Kazmir, and I just knew that they would sweep the series to take back 1st place. Sure enough, that's exactly what they did. They beat TB last night despite the fact that in addition to all those injuries, they also lost Ellsbury to injury in the game, Crisp to a fight, AND they had a heated shouting match between Manny and Youkilis. We never should've switched this site or MetsGeek to support the Rays; they've just been jinxed.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Smoltz is done
He will have season-ending (and possibly career-ending) shoulder surgery. This is a tough break: I like and respect Smoltz a ton, he is an awesome pitcher and seems to be a nice guy. This is certainly a huge blow to the Braves, especially with the usefulness of Hampton uncertain.
All I know is, the Mets need to pick up Teix in the offseason, assuming Los bravos don't trade him this year.
All I know is, the Mets need to pick up Teix in the offseason, assuming Los bravos don't trade him this year.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Rotation Solution
This one gets easier and easier.
Clearly Ollie's head is shot. And his arm doesn't seem much better right now. I've been an advocate of sending Pelf down to the minors for the Steve Trachsel Reclamation Special but Perez needs it waaaaay more.
To further clarify the issue, Pelf and Vargas are both pitching well and Vargas is out of options so we'd be guaranteed to lose him. Muniz has options but has pitched well (last night being the exception but at that point, who cared?), so why mess with guys getting the job done?
I can't seem to wrap my head around what Ollie's major problem is--poor mechanics, lack of focus, concerns about performing in a contract year (doesn't explain past seasons though). Maybe Omar should offer him some kind of deal now for fair money, i.e. 4th or 5th starter cash, and take some pressure off of him. Let him feel like he's gotta work for his supper and maybe he'll feel the hunger...
On the other hand, maybe he just plain sucks. Pittsburgh gave up on him for crying out loud and he was pitching much better for them. Where do we draw the line? We have reached the point of "fish or cut bait" and something's gotta change...
Clearly Ollie's head is shot. And his arm doesn't seem much better right now. I've been an advocate of sending Pelf down to the minors for the Steve Trachsel Reclamation Special but Perez needs it waaaaay more.
To further clarify the issue, Pelf and Vargas are both pitching well and Vargas is out of options so we'd be guaranteed to lose him. Muniz has options but has pitched well (last night being the exception but at that point, who cared?), so why mess with guys getting the job done?
I can't seem to wrap my head around what Ollie's major problem is--poor mechanics, lack of focus, concerns about performing in a contract year (doesn't explain past seasons though). Maybe Omar should offer him some kind of deal now for fair money, i.e. 4th or 5th starter cash, and take some pressure off of him. Let him feel like he's gotta work for his supper and maybe he'll feel the hunger...
On the other hand, maybe he just plain sucks. Pittsburgh gave up on him for crying out loud and he was pitching much better for them. Where do we draw the line? We have reached the point of "fish or cut bait" and something's gotta change...
Monday, June 02, 2008
3 interesting facts I found at Mets.com
1) Utley has homered in 5 straight. That guy is sick.
2) Smoltz is off the DL and could be closing tonight.
3) The Mets have introduced "Los Mets con Nosotros"
2) Smoltz is off the DL and could be closing tonight.
3) The Mets have introduced "Los Mets con Nosotros"
Metties
Kudos to Fredo on the new video montage, very nice set of highlights. However, I think you are missing perhaps the most important image in Mets history, shown above.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Pelf gets it done
Nice line: 7 IP, 7 H, 1 BB, 6 K, 2 R.
Beltran gets a big hit, and so does Tatis.
I meant. Now.
Beltran gets a big hit, and so does Tatis.
I meant. Now.
Pedro to start Tues., big decisions on tap
Who gets bumped from the rotation, Pelfrey or Vargas? It may well depend on Pelf's start today. You know the organization wants to give Pelf every chance.
Does Vargas or Pelf, whichever gets bumped, go to the pen? If so, which reliever gets displaced? Lot's of talk on the FAN this morning about sending Heilman down to "work out" his issues and restore some confidence. Muniz is low man on the totem poll, but has been effective through his short time in the bigs so far.
My preferred solution would be to shift Vargas to the pen as a long man and spot starter for DH'ers or whatever, and drop Heilman to AAA. Aaron's trade value is already in the tank anyway, and he needs some major retooling if he's ever going to get it together.
Does Vargas or Pelf, whichever gets bumped, go to the pen? If so, which reliever gets displaced? Lot's of talk on the FAN this morning about sending Heilman down to "work out" his issues and restore some confidence. Muniz is low man on the totem poll, but has been effective through his short time in the bigs so far.
My preferred solution would be to shift Vargas to the pen as a long man and spot starter for DH'ers or whatever, and drop Heilman to AAA. Aaron's trade value is already in the tank anyway, and he needs some major retooling if he's ever going to get it together.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Delgado
Delgado's thoughts on possibly being platooned:
Willie Randolph can expect a visit from Carlos Delgado if Randolph decides to use the struggling first baseman in a platoon against right-handers.
Delgado, who started tonight against the Dodgers after being benched against lefties the final two games of the Florida series, made it obvious he would be unhappy if a platoon develops.
"We’re gonna have to talk," Delgado said when asked what would happen if Randolph platooned him. "Obviously, I would not talk to you [reporters] before I talk to him. I haven’t said anything, but I want to make it clear. I don’t want to sound like I’m challenging anybody, but it’s true, I would have to talk to him about that."
Look, I appreciate a player who is hungry enough to fight for his job, that's great. But this particular quote tells me a few things. First, it tells me that Willie has failed to establish himself as the leader. You wouldn't give that kind of quote unless you felt you were in a position of relatively good power compared to your boss. Willie needs to make it clear that HE is running the team, not the players. Next, it also says something about Delgado's personality. How about instead something along the lines of: "While I always want to play, I also want to do whatever is best for the team. If Willie deems that this is the best move for the team at this time, then I respect that but of course I'm going to play hard to try to win my position back."
Willie Randolph can expect a visit from Carlos Delgado if Randolph decides to use the struggling first baseman in a platoon against right-handers.
Delgado, who started tonight against the Dodgers after being benched against lefties the final two games of the Florida series, made it obvious he would be unhappy if a platoon develops.
"We’re gonna have to talk," Delgado said when asked what would happen if Randolph platooned him. "Obviously, I would not talk to you [reporters] before I talk to him. I haven’t said anything, but I want to make it clear. I don’t want to sound like I’m challenging anybody, but it’s true, I would have to talk to him about that."
Look, I appreciate a player who is hungry enough to fight for his job, that's great. But this particular quote tells me a few things. First, it tells me that Willie has failed to establish himself as the leader. You wouldn't give that kind of quote unless you felt you were in a position of relatively good power compared to your boss. Willie needs to make it clear that HE is running the team, not the players. Next, it also says something about Delgado's personality. How about instead something along the lines of: "While I always want to play, I also want to do whatever is best for the team. If Willie deems that this is the best move for the team at this time, then I respect that but of course I'm going to play hard to try to win my position back."
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Never before
...has one pitcher who is so good been so owned by one team as brad penny is by the mets.
Mets seem to be playing with a lot more life this week. Diving grabs by Delgado today, Beltran and Tatis last night are all great signs. Team definitely needed a swift kick; they looked lifeless like they were just going through the motions.
Mets seem to be playing with a lot more life this week. Diving grabs by Delgado today, Beltran and Tatis last night are all great signs. Team definitely needed a swift kick; they looked lifeless like they were just going through the motions.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
PIITB
Nice 11 inning win.
Three quick comments.
1. Fernando Tatis. Omar just knew it.
2. Great night for Duaner Sanchez. His fastball was popping. Tht had him at 93 a couple of times. A great sign. Amezega's shot was total fluke stuff. Inside black and he got lucky and turned on it. Plus, Duaner showed that fight we've been discussing. After almost getting drilled with the first pitch when he was up to sac bunt in the 10th (IIRC), he came back and layed down a PERFECT sac next pitch. Plus, he ran it out like he cared, and almost forced an errant throw.
3. Nice team-wide heart with a pair of comebacks in one game.
Three quick comments.
1. Fernando Tatis. Omar just knew it.
2. Great night for Duaner Sanchez. His fastball was popping. Tht had him at 93 a couple of times. A great sign. Amezega's shot was total fluke stuff. Inside black and he got lucky and turned on it. Plus, Duaner showed that fight we've been discussing. After almost getting drilled with the first pitch when he was up to sac bunt in the 10th (IIRC), he came back and layed down a PERFECT sac next pitch. Plus, he ran it out like he cared, and almost forced an errant throw.
3. Nice team-wide heart with a pair of comebacks in one game.
Say "Ray"
Following the lead of the gents over at MetsGeek, we have been temporarily re-named until the real Mets return from their year-long hibernation.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Congrats
Nice job Pelf. 95 pitches in 4 innings. Even for you that's a poor outing; you certainly picked a great time to regress.
Hopefully the Mets will keep Evans up long enough to ruin any shot he has of a good career in majors. Nothing like jumping from AA to majors in a tense situation.
Hopefully the Mets will keep Evans up long enough to ruin any shot he has of a good career in majors. Nothing like jumping from AA to majors in a tense situation.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Willie
Smart money says Willie's history tomorrow. I'd put it at 75%. This team is still clearly playing with no energy, scared of their own shadow. Blowing a 7-game lead with 17 games left last season was a monumental, inexcusable collapse. The manager is at least partly responsible, and if you don't make wholesale changes to the team in the offseason (which of course they did not), then you have no choice but to replace the manager. Scapegoating or not, the fact is the team's psyche was crushed and you either must replace the players or the head; otherwise, the team will never bounce back mentally.
I remain convinced this team needs a real in-your-face, military-style leader. At a minimum they need that this season to break them out of last-season funk, and beyond that they may need it as long as Beltran / Delgado / Alou / are the vets, since none of them are vocal enough to really be a team leader.
I remain convinced this team needs a real in-your-face, military-style leader. At a minimum they need that this season to break them out of last-season funk, and beyond that they may need it as long as Beltran / Delgado / Alou / are the vets, since none of them are vocal enough to really be a team leader.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Taking stock of the Mets, part 2
The Wilpons are going to have to do some hard thinking about the realities of this team, and decide whether Omar, Willie, or the players are mostly to blame. IMO, unless you are talking about a situation where you have a team with just one bad player or bad apple (e.g., Nomar, Bonilla, etc.), then it has to fall on the GM or manager. Either the GM assembled a team with overrated talent, declining talent, or poor attitudes, or the manager has failed to properly utilize and motivate that talent. When an entire team underperforms, I have to look squarely at management.
So for the Mets, which is it? Is it mostly on Omar or Willie? Not entirely clear-cut, IMO. Take Omar first. He has certainly made some very impressive moves as GM, including the trades for Santana and Church. I'll even throw bringing Pedro over here in there, since he was solid in '06. On the negative side, however, Omar has shown a propensity to pursue declining talent on the downside of their careers (Delgado, Green, Valentin, Castillo, Alou, El Duque, ...) Furthermore, I found his unwillingness to re-sign Bradford and Oliver as two of the most bone-headed moves of all time. Both of those players continue to perform very well to this day, and quite likely would have been the difference between a collapse in '07 and playoffs.
In addition, I think it's important to keep in mind that Omar hasn't exactly had the toughest job in the world: he has essentially been given the largest budget of any NL team over the past 4 years. It's not like he's been asked to assemble a WS-class team with the budget of the Rays or Marlins. Omar also apparently doesn't seem to understand the need for a few vocal leaders in the clubhouse, since he has assembled a team of veterans who do not want to lead.
On the other hand, I think you can easily make a case that despite all the injuries, there is no reason this team should not be in 1st place in NL East. The core of the team - Reyes, Wright, and Beltran - have all remained healthy. The collapse at the end of '07 was inexcusable, due in large part IMO to Willie's overuse of bullpen during regular season. I also think Willie needs to take a more pro-active stance in developing Reyes, whose talent is still very raw. I think Willie's unwillingness to show emotion during a game and argue with umps is also a problem. I especially don't like the way he manages the bullpen, pulls starters early, and juggles the lineup.
At the end of the day, I'm not sure whether more of the blame lies with Willie or Omar, but I can say that the present team is not responding well to Willie. I can also say that even if Wilpon replaces Willie, he ought to put Omar on notice that his job is also on the hot seat, and he needs to re-consider the type of players the team really needs going forward.
So for the Mets, which is it? Is it mostly on Omar or Willie? Not entirely clear-cut, IMO. Take Omar first. He has certainly made some very impressive moves as GM, including the trades for Santana and Church. I'll even throw bringing Pedro over here in there, since he was solid in '06. On the negative side, however, Omar has shown a propensity to pursue declining talent on the downside of their careers (Delgado, Green, Valentin, Castillo, Alou, El Duque, ...) Furthermore, I found his unwillingness to re-sign Bradford and Oliver as two of the most bone-headed moves of all time. Both of those players continue to perform very well to this day, and quite likely would have been the difference between a collapse in '07 and playoffs.
In addition, I think it's important to keep in mind that Omar hasn't exactly had the toughest job in the world: he has essentially been given the largest budget of any NL team over the past 4 years. It's not like he's been asked to assemble a WS-class team with the budget of the Rays or Marlins. Omar also apparently doesn't seem to understand the need for a few vocal leaders in the clubhouse, since he has assembled a team of veterans who do not want to lead.
On the other hand, I think you can easily make a case that despite all the injuries, there is no reason this team should not be in 1st place in NL East. The core of the team - Reyes, Wright, and Beltran - have all remained healthy. The collapse at the end of '07 was inexcusable, due in large part IMO to Willie's overuse of bullpen during regular season. I also think Willie needs to take a more pro-active stance in developing Reyes, whose talent is still very raw. I think Willie's unwillingness to show emotion during a game and argue with umps is also a problem. I especially don't like the way he manages the bullpen, pulls starters early, and juggles the lineup.
At the end of the day, I'm not sure whether more of the blame lies with Willie or Omar, but I can say that the present team is not responding well to Willie. I can also say that even if Wilpon replaces Willie, he ought to put Omar on notice that his job is also on the hot seat, and he needs to re-consider the type of players the team really needs going forward.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Willie about to get axed???
The deafening silence from Wilpon, and his unwillingness to answer Willie's call yesterday, imply yes. Especially since Willie and Wilpon apparently normally speak frequently. If so, it would be tough seeing Willie go out like this. I think his recent comments were ridiculous, but I think largely due to his frustration and it would be a shame if this were his parting image. I don't think Willie is a good tactical manager as I've said several times, but Omar is certainly largely to blame for assembling an aged team that relies on a 25-year-old to be their only vocal leader.
A memo to Pedro
Shut up already.
I am so sick and tired of hearing a real-time update of his retirement plans. WHO THE F CARES? First he's retiring, then he's not, then he is, now he's not again. This is an enormous distraction that the team and the fans don't need. Wilpon/Omar need to sit him down and tell him commenting on his injury, recovery, ailing father, etc. are all fine and well. But as far as his retirement goes, his premature and waffling "announcements" just make him and the team look foolish.
I am so sick and tired of hearing a real-time update of his retirement plans. WHO THE F CARES? First he's retiring, then he's not, then he is, now he's not again. This is an enormous distraction that the team and the fans don't need. Wilpon/Omar need to sit him down and tell him commenting on his injury, recovery, ailing father, etc. are all fine and well. But as far as his retirement goes, his premature and waffling "announcements" just make him and the team look foolish.
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